BURLINGTON – Family members and community leaders came together at the 10th anniversary of the R.C. Durr YMCA on June 4.

Executives from the Cincinnati YMCA talked with state and local politicians and business owners, while Durr's grandchildren giggled and played on a tablet at their table.

Durr, who died in 2007, was a Boone County developer, business owner and philanthropist.

His widow, Deborah, said her husband would have been thrilled at the center's success, although he did not want his name on a building.

"He liked naming buildings for other people," she said. "I just really said, 'You're going to do this.' He was a simple man who wanted to help people. We loved the Y. It's such a family organization."

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Sen. John Schickel presents a proclamation from the Kentucky State Senate honoring the R.C. Durr YMCA to Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore and Durr YMCA executive director Jacob Brooks during the facility’s 10th anniversary celebration on June 4.
(Photo:
Amy Scalf/ The Community Recorder
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In addition to honoring Durr, many people at the event said they couldn't believe it had been 10 years since the facility opened, after the Tri-City YMCA in Florence was closed.

"It seems like just yesterday he was out there shoveling the dirt," said Deborah. "I told him what a nice reminder it would be to drive down Ky. 18 and see his name on that building. A wonderful legacy, not just for his family, but for the community he loved and who loved him."

"I was there when R.C. Durr wrote that check for a half million dollars to get it started," said Arnold Caddell, founder of Heritage Bank who helped raise funds to start the Burlington YMCA.

"It's a delightful facility," he said.

"I can't believe it's only been 10 years," said YMCA of Greater Cincinnati board chairman Bob Donelan. "I had just joined the board and I remember walking around this grass field. Now, this place is thriving. It's such a diverse center. It's beautiful. It's great."

"It just amazes me that it's been 10 years," said Boone County Judge-executive Gary Moore. "Where we are standing today used to be two softball fields."

He said he returned from a conference on public/private partnerships hoping to find a way to bring residents in the southern part of the county the aquatic center and athletic facility they wanted.

"It's been a win-win-win partnership ever since," said Moore. "There's a large number of citizens who are active members. We really serve the entire population and I know we are much better for it."

R.C. Durr YMCA chairman John Hawkins described just how much the center has grown.

Hawkins said the facility started in 2004 with 177 senior members, 179 adults and 4,000 families. Now, 1,000 seniors, 1,500 adults and 8,000 families make their way to the Durr facility.

Executive director Jacob Brooks added the Durr YMCA hosts child care at 13 schools in Boone County and Erlanger/Elsmere School District, monitoring 431 students in before and after-school care.

The Durr YMCA also added a senior center in 2008, which has also been very successful.

"This senior center is full," said Sandy Walker, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati president. "This is one of the strongest and most vital facilities in our region. What's so special about this center is that it was born out of a community partnership. It brings people together and serves generations."

"This Y brings people together from all walks of life," said board member Pat Raverty. "It brings the community together and it's been a phenomenal asset for Burlington and southern Boone County."

For more information about the R.C. Durr YMCA, call 859-534-5700, or visit the website www.MyY.org.